A Place to Celebrate the Moments That Matter
Whether it's an anniversary, a birthday, or a long-awaited night out, Ethel's Fancy gives you a beautifully crafted Hawaiian-Japanese meal and a warm, lively atmosphere worth gathering around.
Why customers choose us
What makes Ethel's Fancy stand out
01
Mark Life's Special Occasions Memorably
Customers consistently choose Ethel's Fancy to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones. The combination of beautifully plated, unique dishes and warm, attentive staff creates a sense of occasion that feels genuinely special.
“Everything that we ate was unique, cooked & flavored perfectly, and delicious!”
02
Experience Distinctive Hawaiian-Japanese Cuisine
Ethel's Fancy offers a culinary perspective that is hard to find elsewhere, drawing guests who want to explore creative, culturally rooted cooking. Dishes like Crispy Pork Belly, Salt and Pepper Spanish Octopus, and Milk Bread give diners a genuinely different flavor experience.
“Well-seasoned, crispy on the outside while maintaining that pleasant chew inside — very well executed.”
03
Enjoy a Social Sharing-Style Dinner
The small-plates format is designed for groups who want to share, explore, and connect over food rather than eat in isolation. Plates arrive in sequence as diners finish each course, keeping the energy of the table flowing naturally throughout the evening.
“I liked the fact that they brought out plates as we finished them. I don't like all my food out at once but prefer them in courses so this was great.”
What customers love most
Consistently praised by reviewers
Milk Bread
“I would go back just for this. In fact, that was my favorite thing we got that night.”
Crispy Pork Belly
“Crispy Pork Belly (Great)”
"Salt & Pepper" Spanish Octopus
“Well-seasoned, crispy on the outside while maintaining that pleasant chew inside — very well executed.”
Coconut Fritters
“Coconut Fritters (interesting and good)”
Beautiful plating and presentation
“The way the food is plated is beautiful! Everything that we ate was unique, cooked & flavored perfectly, and delicious!”
Friendly and attentive staff
“I have to say that all the staff were friendly and attentive. Diane, the bartender, was really nice, and she made cocktails at an amazing speed, and she was smiling the whole time.”
Shareable small-plates format
“I liked the fact that they brought out plates as we finished them. I don't like all my food out at once but prefer them in courses so this was great”
Open kitchen and inviting space
“This Hawaiian Japanese restaurant has a beautiful open space with an open kitchen. There is a private dining room in the back.”
The little things that matter
Beyond expectations
Courses arrive as you're ready
Rather than crowding the table all at once, dishes are brought out as guests finish each one — creating a natural, unhurried rhythm that lets each plate get the attention it deserves.
Spontaneous anniversary gestures
When a table is celebrating a milestone, the kitchen sends out an unexpected treat — a delicate complimentary dessert — without being asked, making the occasion feel genuinely acknowledged.
Leadership that comes to the table
Both the General Manager and the Chef make a point of personally greeting guests during their meal, bringing a warmth and hospitality that goes beyond the expected.
Staff who treat guests like family
The influence of Chef Scott's Hawaiian roots shows in how the team carries themselves — attentive, friendly, and genuine in a way that reflects a deeply people-first culture in the kitchen and on the floor.
Bartenders who set the tone
The bar team balances speed and craft with visible care — producing cocktails efficiently while maintaining a warm, welcoming presence that puts guests at ease from the first drink.
Knowledgeable, guided ordering
Staff offer thoughtful recommendations tailored to the size of the group and style of dining, helping guests navigate the small-plates format with confidence rather than guesswork.
Food that's as beautiful as it is considered
Plating is treated as part of the experience — dishes arrive visually composed and distinctive, signalling that care has gone into every element before it reaches the table.
A private space for groups who want it
A dedicated private dining room at the back of the restaurant means parties celebrating something special can have a more enclosed, intimate setting away from the main floor buzz.
Tips for your first visit
Make the most of your visit
Book a reservation in advance
The restaurant fills up quickly — one reviewer could only get a 9:30pm slot a week out, so plan ahead to secure your preferred time.
Try the early seating
Booking the first seating at 5pm makes street parking nearby relatively easy and stress-free.
Request your preferred seating
The restaurant has distinct seating areas — bar, main dining room, patio, and a semi-private back room — so mention your preference when booking if ambiance matters to you.
Order two to three small plates each
Staff recommend two to three small-to-medium plates plus one entrée to share for two people, making the small-plates sharing format easy to navigate.
Don't skip the Milk Bread
Multiple reviewers highlight the Milk Bread as a standout — one saying they "would go back just for this" — so it's a reliable must-order.
Sit at the bar if full
If reservations are taken, the bar is a solid alternative — one couple celebrated their anniversary there and had "an absolutely amazing" dinner.
More reasons to visit
There's always more to love
Cocktails Worth Sipping
“I started off with the cloud cocktail and we got half bottle of Pinot.”
Kampachi Crudo
“Kampachi Crudo (visually stunning, hard to eat, good)”
Desserts That Finish Strong
“We ended the meal with the Milk Jam Soft Serve (Great) and the Chocolate Caramel Tart (Great).”
A Warm Anniversary Touch
“For dessert, we were given a delicate corn pudding for our anniversary that was so good!”
Private Dining Room Available
“There is a private dining room in the back.”
Courses Arrive at the Right Pace
“I liked the fact that they brought out plates as we finished them. I don't like all my food out at once but prefer them in courses so this was great.”
A Chef-Led Kitchen with Soul
“Since Chef Scott is from Maui, we could see that his staff is treated like Ohana.”
Ideal for Occasions and Date Nights
“Would recommend to try if you're in the area and looking for a nice place to take a date or for business.”